Many people notice that certain foods might not agree with them, and they may suspect that something in their diet is affecting their well-being. Allergy testing can provide some insights, but it only examines one type of reaction to foods. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of how the body responds to food, it's helpful to consider multiple types of reactions. Allergy testing typically measures an immune response known as IgE. However, the body can experience inflammation in various ways, not only from IgE but also from Total IgG, IgG4, and complement.
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The P88-DIY Dietary Antigen Test is designed to measure all four of these reactions and can be used conveniently at home. A diet that minimizes inflammation may support overall wellness, and the P88-DIY Dietary Antigen Test aims to help identify foods that might contribute to inflammation. By choosing foods that are less likely to cause inflammation, individuals may support their overall health.
Focusing on wellness can help individuals pursue their passions and stay engaged with the world. Inflammation, which can be influenced by foods, is associated with various conditions that may impact health and quality of life. (1,2,3) Considering that our gut covers a large surface area, managing inflammation in this area can be beneficial for health. Ongoing research explores the impact of inflammation in the gut and how foods may trigger inflammatory processes in the body.
As inflammation is managed, the intestinal lining or "gut" may begin to heal. A healthier gut can provide better protection against foods that might cause irritation. The gut contributes significantly to our "immune tolerance." A balanced immune system is important for maintaining health, as it can respond to infections when needed without becoming overactive.
An imbalanced immune system can lead to inflammation, which may result in various symptoms or exacerbate existing conditions. Food allergies and sensitivities are among the factors that can contribute to this imbalance.
If the gut barrier becomes compromised, a condition sometimes referred to as "leaky gut" may occur. This can allow larger molecules of partially digested food to enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to an immune response. This situation can strain the immune system's ability to address other challenges, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites, and may lead to unnecessary inflammation.
Damage to the gut may also reduce the availability of enzymes that help absorb nutrients from food, such as amylase and lipase. (4) As these enzymes become less effective, nutrient absorption may decrease, affecting overall health.
The P88-DIY Dietary Antigen Test examines four ways the body may react to foods, potentially helping to manage the inflammatory cycle.
IgE
IgE (immunoglobulin E) allergies are immediate responses to certain substances that enter the body through food or inhalation. IgE allergies can cause symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, and hives. In more serious cases, IgE reactions can lead to anaphylactic shock. The P-88 DIY Antigen Test measures the blood level of IgE, one of the five subclasses of antibodies. Antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that target antigens such as bacteria, viruses, and allergens. Sometimes, these antibodies may react to foods, causing an allergic response.
IgG
IgG (immunoglobulin G, total) are antibodies that provide long-term resistance to infections and have a longer half-life than IgE allergies. IgG-mediated food sensitivity can be more subtle, and many people may not realize that certain foods are affecting their quality of life. Sensitivity symptoms can include fatigue, headache, nausea, hyperactivity, bloating, mood changes, or dark circles under the eyes. These symptoms typically occur within 3-72 hours after consuming the food, making it challenging to identify the cause without testing. These antibodies can contribute to ongoing inflammation that may affect other health conditions.
The degree and severity of IgG sensitivity symptoms can vary significantly from person to person due to genetic differences. Identifying and managing IgG-positive foods may help improve symptoms associated with various conditions, as suggested by some clinical studies. (5-9)
Testing for food sensitivities can provide insights into which foods may be more suitable for an individual. If only IgE allergies are considered, IgG-mediated symptoms might be overlooked, leading to an incomplete understanding. The DIY test also examines IgG4, which has a different mechanism and is measured separately. Precision Point Diagnostics suggests that measuring IgG 1-3 together and IgG4 separately provides a more comprehensive result. IgG4 can block allergies, while types 1-3 may increase sensitivities. Examining individual values can enhance the clinical utility of the test.
IgG4
IgG4 (immunoglobulin G subtype 4) is another antibody involved in the immune response. IgG4 is used in allergy therapies to help manage IgE reactions. It may decrease histamine responses by blocking IgE from attaching to receptors. While generally beneficial, excessive IgG4 can be associated with immune-mediated conditions, known as IgG4-RD, which may affect multiple organ systems. Monitoring IgG4 levels can help maintain a healthy balance. For example, higher levels of IgG4 can affect the esophagus, potentially leading to Eosinophilic Esophagitis, and may also impact the thyroid and other organs.
C3D
C3D (Complement) is a protein of the innate immune system that can be activated by microorganisms without the presence of an antibody. When C3d is activated in response to an antigen, it can amplify the reaction that occurs with total IgG, potentially increasing inflammation and sensitivity symptoms. This reaction, which is intended to enhance the immune response to microorganisms, can also be triggered by foods. If complement is present, it can amplify an IgG reaction significantly. Therefore, tests that only measure IgG may miss some food reactions that are clinically relevant. If complement reactivity is high, foods that may irritate this part of the immune system should be considered carefully.
In addition to its innovative technology that measures four independent ways the body may react to food, the P-88 DIY Antigen Test is designed to be accessible. It uses a fingerstick technology with an activated tip that allows for a small, minimally invasive sample collection, enabling over 350 food reactions to be tested with a single sample.
This technology was developed by a Ph.D. who wanted to help his diabetic father, who struggled with traditional fingerstick methods. The design uses a sponge-like tip that facilitates blood collection through capillary flow dynamics, providing a larger sample with less discomfort.
Precision Point combines all four independent immune markers, IgE, IgG, IgG4, and complement, in one test that can be done at home without the need for a phlebotomist. Precision Point is committed to advancing scientific development while making testing more convenient and accessible for individuals.
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